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Chargers Taking A Break

Rest is needed after quick turnaround

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Last week, the Chargers played two games in five days. So this week, they get to play no games in five days. In fact, they don't even have to practice for five days.

On Monday, usually a practice day when there's no game on Sunday, the Chargers ran and lifted weights but did not work on the field. Tuesday is an off day, so they're taking five days off from wearing helmets and pads, their longest stretch of the season.

Chargers Taking a Break

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers says the team is in need of a little rest, so they aren't practicing for five days. (Published Monday, Nov. 5, 2012)

"You get home on that Thursday night game and you've played two games in a short period of time, so not only are you recovering from Sunday's game, but you're piling another game on top of it," said quarterback Philip Rivers. "I think it was a much-needed rest."

"We have a lot of guys banged up," said safety Eric Weddle. "It's needed for the body. We were all hurting."

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The last time the Chargers took an extended break was during their bye week, when they had four days off. They came out of that rest with a 7-6 loss in Cleveland, a game where their offense could find absolutely no rhythm.

If the Bolts are worried about a similar problem this weekend in Tampa, they're not letting on.

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"We could have gone out and practice today," said Rivers, "but without a full game plan in, other than just kind of getting going again, I don't know how much of a head start it would have been. We got a ton of mental work in here, and already a head start on the tape."

When asked how much he'd studied Tampa Bay, Rivers said he was already pretty deep into preparations.

"I've got a pretty good feel for them. It'll grow throughout the week."

Rivers has a chance to put up his biggest numbers of the season against the Buccaneers, who have the NFL's worst pass defense. In 8 games, Tampa Bay's defense has allowed three 300-yard passing games, a 400-yard passing game, and a 500-yard passing game.